System and method for handling software activation in entitlement

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. Digital assets purchase information comprising digital assets identifier information and activation key data, and system identifier information comprising system identifier data, is received. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is then processed by the provider of the digital assets to generate digital assets activation data. Associated digital assets data is provided with the digital assets activation data and then processed with the purchase transaction data to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent associated with a target system automatically downloads the purchased digital assets and associated digital assets entitlement data, which is used to install the digital assets, thereby entitling the system to process the installed digital assets.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/724,580, filed Mar. 16, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,170,783, issued May 1, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the management of information handling systems. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide a system, method, and computer-readable medium for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation.

2. Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.

In recent years, it has become common for manufacturers to offer standardized configurations of these systems bundled with an operating system (OS) and a selection of software applications, digital content, and associated services. Some of these same manufacturers also offer purchasers the ability to order a system custom-configured to their specification. These custom-configured systems, which are often ordered on-line, allow the purchaser to select the OS of their choice along with a selection of software and other digital assets to meet their individual needs. In some cases, the manufacturer may preinstall the OS and the selected digital assets on the system prior to delivery. In addition, the system may be further personalized (e.g., desktop themes and colors, etc.) as a service to the customer.

However, the manufacture of such custom-configured systems, commonly referred to as Custom Factory Integration (CFI), has begun to take longer and longer as the number of system options has grown. What used to be produced in a matter of days may now take weeks. As a result, system vendors are increasingly moving away from the CFI model to an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) model where standardized system configurations are preloaded with a standard software image.

Furthermore, such options and services are generally not available in a retail environment, where the purchased system is more likely to be an ODM configuration and software applications and other digital assets (e.g., games, movies, etc.) are typically prepackaged. Such prepackaged digital assets typically consist of a physical package, such as a box containing a CD or DVD, and other materials, such as installation guides, user manuals, promotional offers, etc. Such digital assets are generally protected by an activation scheme that requires the user to enter a serial number or an activation key, which is normally included within the packaging. This prevents the CD or DVD from being duplicated and used elsewhere. In most cases, the key is live, meaning that the digital assets are usable as soon as they are loaded and registered with the key. This approach creates value in the packaging. However, if the package is stolen or lost, then the digital assets are may be usable by someone who has not paid for them, creating costs for the vendor, retailer, or customer. In view of the foregoing, there is not only a need for separating transactions for the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment but also for ensuring that they are only fulfilled on the system involved in the original transaction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. In various embodiments, a digital assets entitlement system is implemented for managing the entitlement of a system to process digital assets. In these and other embodiments, the system comprises a unique system identifier, which in turn comprises the unique identifiers of predetermined system components.

In various embodiments, the digital assets entitlement system receives purchase information associated with the purchase of digital assets and system identifier data associated with a target system. In these and other embodiments, the purchase information includes digital assets identifier information and digital assets activation key data. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is provided to the provider of the digital assets. In one embodiment, the purchase information comprises digital assets identifier information and digital assets activation key data associated with a plurality of digital assets providers. In this embodiment, the digital assets identifier information and digital assets activation key data is processed to generate individual sets of digital assets activation request data. The individual sets of digital assets activation request data are in turn provided to the provider of the digital asset identified by the digital assets identifier information.

The provider of the digital assets then processes the digital activation request data to generate digital assets activation data, which is then linked with the associated digital assets in the digital assets entitlement system. In various embodiments, the seller of the digital assets may be different than the provider of the digital assets. The purchase transaction data and the digital assets activation data is then processed to generate digital assets entitlement data. In one embodiment, the digital assets activation data is provided to the purchaser of the digital assets. In this embodiment, the digital assets activation data is then provided to a personalization agent associated with the target system, which uses it to download its corresponding digital assets data and digital assets entitlement data. In another embodiment, the personalization agent determines the unique system identifier of the target system, which is then used to download the digital assets data and digital assets entitlement data from the digital assets entitlement system. Once downloaded, the personalization agent uses the digital assets entitlement data to install the purchased digital assets on the target system, thereby entitling the target system to process the installed digital assets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerous objects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference number throughout the several figures designates a like or similar element.

FIG. 1 is a general illustration of components of an information handling system as implemented in the system and method of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the operation of a digital assets entitlement system;

FIGS. 3 a-b are a simplified block diagram of a unique system identifier that remains the same when one of its associated system component identifiers has been changed;

FIGS. 4 a-b are a simplified block diagram of a unique system identifier that is changed when one of its associated system component identifiers has been changed;

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an encrypted unique system identifier generated from a set of system component identifiers;

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a unique system identifier decrypted from an encrypted unique system identifier;

FIGS. 7 a-b are a generalized flow chart of the performance of digital asset entitlement operations; and

FIG. 8 is a generalized flow chart of the performance of digital assets activation and entitlement operations in a physical environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components.

FIG. 1 is a generalized illustration of an information handling system 100 that can be used to implement the method and system of the present invention. The information handling system 100 includes a processor (e.g., central processor unit or “CPU”) 102, input/output (I/O) devices 104, such as a display, a keyboard, a mouse, and associated controllers, a hard drive or disk storage 106, various other subsystems, such as a storage interface 108, a network port 110, and a system memory 112, all interconnected via one or more buses 114.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the operation of a digital assets entitlement system. In various embodiments, a digital assets entitlement system 218 is implemented for managing the entitlement of a system 204 to process a digital asset 246. In these and other embodiments, the digital assets entitlement system 218 may be implemented on one or more servers 210, which are connected to a network 252. In various embodiments, the network 252 may comprise a public network, such as the Internet, a physical private network, a virtual private network (VPN), or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital assets entitlement system 218 comprises a user service and support module 220, a digital fulfillment module 222, and a system identification and security module 224. The digital assets entitlement system 218 likewise comprises a personalization module 226, an entitlement module 228, a sales integration module 230, and a manufacturing integration module 232. Likewise, the digital assets entitlement system 218 is able to access a digital assets data repository 212, an entitlement data repository 214, and a system identifier (ID) data repository 216, each of which may be implemented on one or more servers 210 connected to a network 252.

As used herein, a digital asset 246 refers to any digital asset such as a software application, a deliverable or performable service, music, video, software activation key, personalization instructions, files, etc. that are digitally deliverable either wholly or partially. As likewise used herein, a digital assets entitlement refers to the association of a predetermined digital asset 246 with a target system 204. In various embodiments, an entitlement record contains the digital assets entitlement data (e.g., license information, etc.) that allows the digital asset 246 to be processed by a target system 204 identified by a corresponding unique system identifier 206. In these and other embodiments, the entitlement record is processed by the entitlement module 228 and stored in the entitlement data repository 214. Likewise, as used herein, a system 204 may comprise a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer operable to establish an on-line session with the digital assets entitlement system 218 over a connection to network 252. The system 204 may also comprise a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, or any other suitable device operable to store a unique system ID 206, perform digital asset entitlement operations with a personalization agent, and likewise operable to establish a connection with network 252.

In this embodiment, digital assets entitlement and system personalization operations are performed by a user, such as a system purchaser 202, in either a physical environment or an on-line environment. As an example, a physical environment may comprise a retailer 240 operating a physical point-of-sale (POS) system 242. As another example, an on-line environment may comprise a system manufacturer 234, after-point-of-sale (APOS) vendor 236, or digital assets vendor 238, that respectively accepts on-line orders for systems or digital assets over a connection to network 252.

If the digital assets entitlement and system personalization operations are performed in an on-line environment, then the system purchaser 202 decides whether to purchase a custom-configured or pre-configured system 204. If the system 204 is to be pre-configured, then it is selected for on-line purchase by the system purchaser 202 and its unique identifier 206 is determined. In one embodiment, the unique system identifier 206 is stored in the BIOS of the pre-configured system 204. However, if the system 204 is to be custom-configured, then it is custom-configured for on-line purchase by the system purchaser 202. Once manufactured by the system manufacturer 234, a unique system identifier is generated as described in greater detail herein.

In various embodiments, the manufacturing integration module 232 coordinates the custom configuration of the system 204 with the digital assets entitlement system 218. Likewise, the system identification and security module 224 coordinates the generation of the unique system identifier 204 and its storage in the repository of system identifier data 216. The system purchaser then selects a digital asset 246 for on-line purchase, followed by selecting personalization options for the pre-configured or custom-configured system. In various embodiments, the personalization module 226 coordinates the selection of personalization options with the digital assets entitlement system 218. As used herein a system personalization option refers to any feature, capability, or function that may be applied to a target system. As an example, a personal computer desktop wallpaper or user interface options (e.g., a “classic” interface) are personalization options.

However, if the digital assets entitlement and system personalization operations are performed in a physical environment, then the system purchaser 202 selects a pre-configured system 204 and physical representations of digital assets 246 to be purchased. In various embodiments, the digital asset 246 is physically represented as images and text on a card or a package, yet the digital assets themselves are not contained within the card or package. The system purchaser 202 then selects system personalization options for the pre-configured system. In various embodiments, the system personalization options are likewise physically represented as images and text on a card or a package.

The digital assets product identifier (ID) is then scanned with a scanner 244 from its corresponding physical representation, followed by scanning its corresponding digital assets activation key or other entitlement data. In various embodiments, it is not necessary to scan the digital assets activation key or other entitlement data as it is provided by the digital assets entitlement system 218 during digital asset entitlement operations described in greater detail herein. Data related to the previously selected personalization options are then likewise scanned, followed by determining the unique system identifier 206 of the pre-configured system 204. In various embodiments, the digital assets product ID, its associated activation key or entitlement data, the personalization option data, and the unique system identifier are represented by a bar code 248 or other indicia on a card or physical package. In various other embodiments, the digital assets product ID, its associated activation key or entitlement data, the personalization option data, and the unique system identifier is contained in a radio frequency identifier (RFID) 250 tag affixed to the physical representation of the digital asset. Those of skill in the art will realize that many such embodiments are possible and that the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

A purchase transaction for the custom-configured or pre-configured system 204 and any associated digital assets 246 and personalization options is then completed. In various embodiments, the processing of the purchase transaction is performed by the sales integration module 230. In these and other embodiments, the financial proceeds of the purchase transaction may be settled between multiple parties. For example, a system manufacturer 234 may receive a portion of the purchase transaction corresponding to the cost of the system 204. One or more digital assets vendors 238 may likewise receive a proportionate share of the purchase transaction corresponding to the digital asset 246 they respectively provide.

Digital asset entitlement operations, as described in greater detail herein, are then performed by the digital assets entitlement system 218 to bind the digital asset 246, the personalization options, and their respective digital assets entitlement data to the unique system identifier 206 of the target system 204. The resulting bound data, including data associated with the digital assets (e.g., installation files, etc.) is then stored in the repository of entitlement data 214 and the purchased system 204 is then delivered to the system purchaser 202. In various embodiments, the entitlement module 228 generates, and then processes, the digital assets entitlement data and the user service and support module 220 coordinates the delivery of the system 204 to the system purchaser 202.

Standard operating system (OS) out-of-the-box-experience (OOBE) or hypervisor boot operations are performed on the system 204, followed by loading a personalization agent 208. In various embodiments, the personalization agent 208 has a unique identifier that is associated with one or more unique system component identifiers. In one embodiment, the unique identifier of the personalization agent is uniquely associated with the current unique system identifier 206 associated with the system 204. In another embodiment, a portion of the personalization agent 208 is delivered to the system 204 in an encrypted form and is then decrypted prior to being loaded on the system 204. In this embodiment, the primary system identifier (e.g., service tag number, serial number, etc.), is used as a decryption key to decrypt the personalization agent 208.

In various other embodiments, secondary system identifiers are stored on the system 204 (e.g., in the BIOS, in Flash memory, on a hard disk, etc.) as well as in the digital assets entitlement system 218. In these and other embodiments, the digital assets entitlement system 218 uses the secondary system identifiers to encrypt a portion of the personalization agent 208 before it is downloaded to the system 204. Once downloaded, the unencrypted portion of the personalization agent 208 uses the secondary system identifiers stored on the system 204 to decrypt the encrypted portion of the personalization agent 208. In one embodiment, the secondary system identifiers are likewise encrypted and are first decrypted before they are used to decrypt the encrypted portion of the personalization agent 208. In another embodiment, the primary and secondary system identifiers are stored in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Skilled practitioners of the art will recognize that many such embodiments are possible and the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

The personalization agent 208 queries the target system for its unique system identifier 206. In various embodiments, the unique system identifier 206 associated with the system 204 is stored in the target system's BIOS, flash memory, a hard disk, or other memory device. The personalization agent 208 then automatically establishes a connection with the digital assets entitlement system 218 and uses the unique system identifier 206 to authenticate the system 204. The unique system identifier 206 is then used by the personalization agent 208 to determine entitled digital assets and personalization options corresponding to the unique system identifier 206.

Once determined, the corresponding personalization options and digital assets 246, along with their associated digital assets entitlement data, are respectively downloaded to the target system 204 from the repository of digital assets 212 and the repository of entitlement data 214. In one embodiment, the personalization options and digital assets, along with their associated digital assets entitlement data, are downloaded from a single server 210 on the network 252. In another embodiment, the personalization options and digital assets are downloaded from one or more servers 210 on the network 252. In yet another embodiment, the personalization options, digital assets, and associated digital assets entitlement data are respectively downloaded from a plurality of servers 210 on a network 252. As an example, a first digital asset 246 may be provided by the system manufacturer 234 and a second digital asset 246 may be provided by a digital assets vendor 238. Likewise, a plurality of digital assets 246 may be provided by a corresponding plurality of digital assets vendors 238. Skilled practitioners of the art will realize that many such embodiments and examples are possible and the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

In various embodiments, the digital assets entitlement system 218 manages the respective location of the personalization options, digital assets, and associated digital assets entitlement data to initiate its provision. Once downloaded, the personalization agent 208 uses the digital assets entitlement data to install the digital assets 246 and personalization options on the system 204. Thereafter, the system purchaser 202 may decide to perform an after-point-of-sale (APOS) purchase of a digital asset 246. As used herein, an APOS purchase of digital assets refers to any purchase of a digital asset 246 made after the initial on-line or physical purchase of the system 204. In various embodiments, the APOS purchase of a digital asset 246 may be performed in a physical, on-line, or enterprise point-of-sale environment. If the APOS purchase is performed in an on-line environment, such as from APOS vendor 236, then the system purchaser 202 selects a digital asset 246 for on-line purchase. The personalization agent 208 then determines the unique system identifier 206 of the system 204. An APOS purchase transaction is then performed for purchase of the selected digital asset 246. However, if the APOS purchase is performed in a physical environment, then the purchaser selects a physical representation of a digital asset 246 to be purchased. The digital assets product identifier (ID) is then scanned from its corresponding physical representation, followed by scanning its corresponding digital assets activation key or other entitlement data.

Digital asset entitlement operations, as described in greater detail herein, are then performed by the digital assets entitlement system 218 to bind the digital asset 246 and their respective digital assets entitlement data associated with the APOS purchase to the unique system identifier 206 of the target system 204. The resulting bound data, including data associated with the digital assets (e.g., installation files, etc.) is then stored, as described in greater detail herein, in the digital assets entitlement system 218. The personalization agent 208, as likewise described in greater detail herein, then automatically establishes a connection with the digital assets entitlement system 218, downloads the purchased digital asset 246 and their associated digital assets entitlement data. Once downloaded, the personalization agent 208 then uses the associated digital assets entitlement data to install the downloaded digital asset 246 on the system 204.

FIGS. 3 a-b are a simplified block diagram of a unique system identifier that remains the same when one of its associated system component identifiers has been changed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3 a, an original unique system identifier 320 is generated from a plurality of unique system component identifiers 302, which correspond to a plurality of system components contained in a target system. As likewise shown in FIG. 3 a, the unique system component identifiers 302 comprise a Model Number 304 ‘SA310J43, a Serial Number 306, sometimes referred to as a service tag number or a primary system identifier, ‘SEM5239923875’, a Factory ID 308 ‘AUS’, and a Manufacture Date 310 ‘111909’. The unique system component identifiers 302 likewise comprise an Original Motherboard ID 314 ‘19374WS238017BH’, a Processor ID 316 ‘92348430-432919237’, a Hard Drive ID 318 ‘L83747HJ3672’, etc.

As described in greater detail herein, once generated, the original unique system identifier 320 is associated, such as through a binding operation, with predetermined digital assets 332 to generate a digital assets entitlement 330. As likewise described in greater detail herein, the digital assets entitlement 330 entitles a target system, which is associated with the original unique system identifier 320, to process the digital assets 332. However, it is not uncommon for system components to be replaced due to failure, erratic performance, becoming outmoded, or for other reasons. It will be appreciated that the entitlement 330 between the original unique system identifier 320 and the digital assets 332 may be compromised as a result of such a replacement. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 b, the Original Motherboard ID 314 ‘19374WS238017BH’ has been replaced with a New Motherboard ID 334 ‘56812FR853945PL’. However, the original unique system identifier 320 remains unchanged.

In various embodiments, extract, transform, and load (ETL) and other database operations are performed to manage the integrity of the relationship between the original unique system identifier 320 and the plurality of unique system component identifiers 302. As an example, the Original Motherboard ID 314 ‘19374WS238017BH’ may remain as a subset of the original unique system identifier 320, even though it may have been deactivated or invalidated as a unique system component identifier 302. However, in these and other embodiments, relational database operations known to those of skill in the art may be applied to maintain the relationship between the original unique system identifier 320, the New Original Motherboard ID 334 ‘56812FR853945PL’, and the unchanged unique system component identifiers 302. Accordingly, the integrity of the entitlement 330 between the original unique system identifier 320 and the digital assets 332 is perpetuated. It will be apparent to skilled practitioners of the art that many such embodiments are possible and the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

FIGS. 4 a-b are a simplified block diagram of a unique system identifier that is changed when one of its associated system component identifiers has been changed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4 a, an original unique system identifier 320 is generated from a plurality of unique system component identifiers 302, which correspond to a plurality of system components contained in a target system. As likewise shown in FIG. 3 a, the unique system component identifiers 302 comprise a Model Number 304 ‘SA310J43, a Serial Number 306, sometimes referred to as a service tag number or a primary system identifier, ‘SEM5239923875’, a Factory ID 308 ‘AUS’, and a Manufacture Date 310 ‘111909’. The unique system component identifiers 302 likewise comprise an Original Motherboard ID 314 ‘19374WS238017BH’, a Processor ID 316 ‘92348430-432919237’, a Hard Drive ID 318 ‘L83747HJ3672’, etc.

As described in greater detail herein, once generated, the original unique system identifier 320 is associated, such as through a binding operation, with predetermined digital assets 332 to generate a digital assets entitlement 330. As likewise described in greater detail herein, the digital assets entitlement 330 entitles a target system, which is associated with the original unique system identifier 320, to process the digital assets 332. However, it is not uncommon for system components to be replaced due to failure, erratic performance, becoming outmoded, or for other reasons. It will be appreciated that the entitlement 330 between the original unique system identifier 320 and the digital assets 332 may be compromised as a result of such a replacement. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4 b, the Original Motherboard ID 314 ‘19374WS238017BH’ has been replaced with a New Motherboard ID 334 ‘56812FR853945PL’. As a result, a new unique system identifier 420 is generated, which is a concatenation of the plurality of unique system component identifiers 402, including the New Original Motherboard ID 334 ‘56812FR853945PL’ as a subset.

In various embodiments, a first set of operations are performed to remove the entitlement 330 between the original unique system identifier 320 and digital assets 332. A second set of operations are then performed to associate the new unique system identifier 420 with the digital assets 332 to generate a new entitlement 430. In these and other embodiments, the original unique system identifier 320 is then invalidated. Accordingly, the integrity of the original entitlement 330 between the original unique system identifier 320 and the digital assets 332 is perpetuated by the new entitlement 430 between the new unique system identifier 420 and the digital assets 332. Skilled practitioners of the art will recognize that many such embodiments are possible and the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an encrypted unique system identifier generated from a set of system component identifiers in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a source unique system identifier 520 is generated from a plurality of original unique system component identifiers 502, which correspond to a plurality of system components contained in a target system. As shown in FIG. 5, the original unique system component identifiers 502 comprise a Model Number 304 ‘SA310J43, a Serial Number 306, sometimes referred to as a service tag number or a primary system identifier, ‘SEM5239923875’, a Factory ID 308 ‘AUS’, a Timestamp Date 510 ‘111909’, and a Timestamp Time 512 ‘14:27:26:34’. The original unique system component identifiers 502 likewise comprise an Original Motherboard ID 314 ‘19374WS238017BH’, a Processor ID 316 ‘92348430-432919237’, a Hard Drive ID 318 ‘L83747HJ3672’, etc.

An encryption operation 524 is then performed on the source unique system identifier 520 to generate an original encrypted unique system identifier 528. In various embodiments, the encryption operation may comprise the use of a private key, a public key, key pairs, or any combination of keys and cryptographic operations such as implemented in a public key infrastructure (PKI). As an example, the original encrypted unique system identifier 528 may be generated using a private key associated with the manufacturer of the system and a public key associated with the system itself. In one embodiment, the Timestamp Date 510 ‘111909’ and the Timestamp Time 512 ‘14:27:26:34’ are likewise used to generate the encrypted unique system identifier 528. Skilled practitioners of the art will be familiar with such cryptographic operations and recognize that many such embodiments are possible and that the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

As described in greater detail herein, once generated, the original encrypted unique system identifier 528 is associated, such as through a binding operation, with predetermined digital assets 332 to generate a digital assets entitlement 530. As likewise described in greater detail herein, the digital assets entitlement 530 entitles a target system, which is associated with the original encrypted unique system identifier 528, to process the digital assets 332.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a unique system identifier decrypted from an encrypted unique system identifier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It is not uncommon for system components to be replaced due to failure, erratic performance, becoming outmoded, or for other reasons. However, the replaced system component will typically have a different unique system component identifier. As a result, the entitlement association between a unique system identifier and predetermined digital assets may be compromised as a result of such a replacement, which in turn may prevent the target system from processing the digital assets.

In various embodiments, the unique system component identifier of the replacement system component is unknown until it is replaced in the target system. In these and other embodiments, the system component is replaced in the target system, the target system is then initiated (e.g., booted), and an inventory of unique system component identifiers is performed. In one embodiment, one or more unique system component identifiers, such as a serial number or service tag, are visible and may be visually inventoried. In another embodiment, one or more unique system component identifiers, such as a motherboard, processor, or hard drive serial number, are not visible and may be automatically inventoried.

As shown in FIG. 6, a new source unique system identifier 650 is generated from the inventoried unique system component identifiers. In one embodiment, a time stamp date and a time stamp time are components of the new source unique system identifier 650. In this embodiment, the time stamp date and a time stamp time are used to validate the authenticity of the new source unique system identifier 650. As an example, the provider of the replacement part may have stipulated that the replacement part be replaced on Nov. 12, 2009, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Accordingly, a time state date of Nov. 12, 2009 and a time stamp time of 16:33:42:05 would provide validation that the replacement part was replaced within the specified date and time interval.

An encryption operation 652 is then performed on the new source unique system identifier 650 to generate a new encrypted unique system identifier 628. As an example, the encryption operation may be performed using a private key associated with the target system and a public key associated with the provider of the replacement system component. The new encrypted unique system identifier 628 is then communicated to a digital assets entitlement system, which in turn performs a decryption operation 626 to generate a decrypted unique system identifier 622.

As likewise shown in FIG. 6, extract, transform, and load (ETL) and other database operations 634 are performed on the decrypted unique system identifier 622 to generate new unique system component identifiers 602. As shown in FIG. 6, the new unique system component identifiers now comprise a Model Number 304 ‘SA310J43, a Serial Number 306, ‘SEM5239923875’, a Factory ID 308 ‘AUS’, a Timestamp Date 610 ‘112009’, and a Timestamp Time 612 ‘16:33:42:05’. The new unique system component identifiers 602 likewise comprise a New Motherboard ID 314 ‘56812FR853945PL’, a Processor ID 316 ‘92348430-432919237’, a Hard Drive ID 318 ‘L83747HJ3672’, etc. In one embodiment, the Timestamp Date 610 and the Timestamp Time 612 are compared to previously authorized timestamp date and timestamp times to validate the authenticity of the new unique system component identifiers 602 and their corresponding decrypted unique system identifier 622. In this and other embodiments, if the decrypted unique system identifier 622 is validated, then a first set of operations are performed to remove the entitlement between the original encrypted unique system identifier and digital assets 332. A second set of operations are then performed to associate the new encrypted unique system identifier 628 with the digital assets 332 to generate a new entitlement 630. Accordingly, the integrity of the original entitlement between the original encrypted unique system identifier and the digital assets 332 is perpetuated by the new entitlement 630 between the new encrypted unique system identifier 628 and the digital assets 332.

In various other embodiments, the provider of the replacement system component is able to determine its associated unique system component identifier. In one embodiment, the unique system component identifier is known in advance. In another embodiment, the unique system component identifier may be one of a pool of, or a range of, possible unique system component identifiers set aside for replacement purposes. As described in greater detail herein, a new source unique identifier is generated, using the unique system component identifier of the component to be replaced. Once the new source unique identifier is generated the unique system component identifier of the replaced system component is invalidated. In these and other embodiments, the system component is replaced in the target system, the target system is then initiated (e.g., booted), and an inventory of unique system component identifiers is performed. In one embodiment, one or more unique system component identifiers, such as a serial number or service tag, are visible and may be visually inventoried. In another embodiment, one or more unique system component identifiers, such as a motherboard, processor, or hard drive serial number, are not visible and may be automatically inventoried.

As shown in FIG. 6, a new source unique system identifier 650 is generated from the inventoried unique system component identifiers. In one embodiment, a time stamp date and a time stamp time are components of the new source unique system identifier 650. In this embodiment, the time stamp date and a time stamp time are used to validate the authenticity of the new source unique system identifier 650. An encryption operation 652 is then performed on the new source unique system identifier 650 to generate a new encrypted unique system identifier 628. As an example, the encryption operation may be performed using a private key associated with the target system and a public key associated with the provider of the replacement system component. The new encrypted unique system identifier 628 is then communicated to a digital assets entitlement system, which in turn performs a decryption operation 626 to generate a decrypted unique system identifier 622.

Comparison operations 654 are then performed between the new source unique system identifier and the decrypted unique system identifier 622. If the comparison operations 654 are successful, then a first set of operations are performed to remove the entitlement between the original encrypted unique system identifier and digital assets 332. A second set of operations are then performed to associate the new encrypted unique system identifier 628 with the digital assets 332 to generate a new entitlement 630. Accordingly, the integrity of the original entitlement between the original encrypted unique system identifier and the digital assets 332 is perpetuated by the new entitlement 630 between the new encrypted unique system identifier 628 and the digital assets 332. Skilled practitioners of the art will recognize that many such embodiments are possible and the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention.

FIGS. 7 a-b are a generalized flow chart of the performance of digital asset entitlement operations in an embodiment of the invention, In this embodiment, digital asset entitlement operations are started in step 702, followed by the selection of a target system in step 704 for digital assets entitlement. The unique system identifier of the target system, as described in greater detail herein, is determined in step 706, followed by a determination being made in step 708 whether a device record has been established for the target system. If not, then the device record is generated in step 710. As used herein, a device record refers to a data record containing data related to a system which will receive an entitlement to process associated digital assets. In various embodiments, the unique system identifier of the target system is stored in the device record. In various embodiments, other records may be associated with the device record to further describe the system, such as its model, type, make, internal identifiers, etc.

Once the device record has been generated, or if it is determined in step 708 that it has already been established, then a determination is made in step 712 whether an account record has been established for a user. If not, then the account record is generated for the user in step 714. As used herein, an account record refers to a data record containing data related to the association of multiple devices or systems to one or more entities. In various embodiments, the entity may be a single individual or a group of individuals. As an example, the entity may be a household with multiple PCs, a small business with several employees, a large corporation with many employees, etc. Other records may be attached to the account to further describe the account holder, payment information related to the account, etc. Accounts may further be broken down or organized into sub-accounts as needed, such as to describe departments within an enterprise). In various embodiments, a user may be associated with a single device or system or multiple devices or systems in the account record. Conversely, a group of users may be associated with a single device or system or multiple devices in the account record. Further more groups of individual users may likewise be associated with groups of individual devices or systems. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many such associations are possible and the foregoing is not intended to limit the spirit, scope, or intent of the invention. Once the account record has been generated, or if it is determined in step 712 that it has already been established, then a determination is made in step 716 whether the account record is associated with the target system. If not, then the account record is associated with the target system in step 718.

Once the account record has been associated with the target system, or if it is determined in step 716 that it has already been associated, then a target list of digital assets is presented in step 720 for entitlement. A determination is then made in step 722 whether to generate an entitlement for a digital asset. If not, then a determination is made in step 732 whether to continue digital asset entitlement operations. If so, then the process is continued, proceeding with step 704. Otherwise digital asset entitlement operations are ended in step 734. However, if it is determined in step 722 to generate an entitlement for a digital asset, then a target digital asset is selected in step 724. A digital assets entitlement is then generated in step 726 by performing operations to associate the selected digital asset's corresponding license record with the aforementioned device record, account record, and other predetermined records. The resulting digital assets entitlement association is then added to the entitlement record in step 728. A determination is then made in step 730 whether to generate another digital assets entitlement. If so, the process is continued, proceeding with step 724. Otherwise, a determination is made in step 732 whether to continue digital asset entitlement operations. If so, then the process is continued, proceeding with step 704. Otherwise digital asset entitlement operations are ended in step 734.

FIG. 8 is a generalized flow chart of the performance of digital assets activation and entitlement operations as implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in a physical environment. In this embodiment, digital assets activation and entitlement operations are begun in step 802, followed by the purchaser selecting a physical representation of digital assets to be purchased in step 804. In various embodiments, the digital assets are physically represented as images and text on a card or a package, yet the digital assets themselves are not contained within the card or package. In various embodiments, digital assets product identifier (ID) for each of the physical assets is then scanned, followed by scanning its corresponding digital assets activation key or other entitlement data. In these and other embodiments, the digital assets product ID and its associated activation key or entitlement data, are represented by a bar code or other indicia on a card or physical package. In various other embodiments, the digital assets product ID and its associated activation key or entitlement data, is contained in a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag likewise affixed to a card or package. In various embodiments, it is not necessary to scan the digital assets activation key or other entitlement data as it is provided by the digital assets entitlement system during digital asset entitlement operations described in greater detail herein.

In step 810, the purchaser provides a unique system identifier associated with a target system. In one embodiment, the unique system identifier is represented by a bar code or other indicia on a card or the digital asset's packaging. In another embodiment, the unique system identifier is contained in a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag likewise affixed to a card, packaging, or other device. In yet another embodiment, the unique system identifier is stored in a flash memory device. In these and other embodiments, the unique system identifier may be in encrypted or unencrypted form.

A payment transaction is then performed in step 812 to pay for the selected digital assets. Then, in step 814, individual digital assets activation request transactions are generated, each containing the unique system identifier and the respective product ID and activation key data corresponding to the selected digital assets. The individual digital assets activation request transactions are then processed in step 816 to send digital assets activation request transaction data to individual providers of the purchased digital assets. The individual providers of the purchased digital assets then process the digital assets activation request transaction data in step 818 to change the activation status of the activation key of the associated digital asset from a dead key to a live key. In various embodiments, the activation key is visible, yet not usable until its activation status has been changed to a live key. In one embodiment, the activation key is uniquely assigned to the physical representation of the digital asset before it is activated. In another embodiment, an activation key is generated by the provider of the digital asset, associated with the product ID of the digital asset, and then activated.

Digital assets entitlement data is then generated in step 820 by binding the purchased digital assets and their associated activated activation key to the unique system identifier of the target system. The bound data is then stored in the digital assets entitlement system in step 822, followed by making a determination in step 824 whether to provide the activated activation key to the purchaser. If not, then a personalization agent associated with the target system determines the unique system identifier for the target system in step 826. Otherwise, the activated activation key is provided to the purchaser in step 828. In one embodiment, the activated activation key is provided in a printed form, such as a paper receipt for the purchase of the digital assets. In another embodiment, a temporary user ID and password is provided to the purchaser. In this embodiment, use of the temporary user ID and password provides the activated activation key. The purchaser then provides the activated activation key to a personalization agent associated with the target system in step 830.

Once the unique system identifier has been determined in step 826, or the activated activation key has been provided in step 830, the personalization agent automatically establishes a connection with the digital assets entitlement system in step 832. A determination is then made in step 834 whether activated activation key data is provided to the digital assets entitlement system by the personalization agent. If not, the unique system identifier is provide to the digital assets entitlement system by the personalization agent in step 837 to determine entitled digital assets corresponding to the unique system identifier. Otherwise, the personalization agent provides the activated activation key data to the digital assets entitlement system in step 836 to determine entitled digital assets corresponding to the activated activation key data.

The activation status of the activation key is then changed from a dead key to a live key in step 838, followed by the entitled digital assets, along with their associated digital assets entitlement data being automatically downloaded to the target system by the personalization agent in step 839. In one embodiment, the digital asset is activated and then downloaded. In this and other embodiments, the digital asset is encrypted or otherwise locked such that only the target system could decrypt or unlock the digital asset before it is installed. In another embodiment, the digital asset is automatically activated. In this and other embodiments, the digital asset and its activation key are downloaded either separately or together in the same file. The activation key is then either used by the personalization agent during installation, or it is automatically discovered by the digital asset upon installation, start-up, or use. In yet another embodiment, the digital asset is manually activated. In this and other embodiments, the purchaser provides the activation key to the digital asset upon demand. The personalization agent then displays the activation key to the user during installation, start-up, or use of the digital asset.

In one embodiment, the digital assets and with their associated digital assets entitlement data, are downloaded from a single server on a network. In another embodiment, the digital assets are downloaded from one or more servers on a network. In yet another embodiment, the digital assets and with their associated digital assets entitlement data are respectively downloaded from a plurality of servers on a network. In these and other embodiments, the digital assets entitlement system manages the respective location of the digital assets and associated digital assets entitlement data to initiate its provision. Once downloaded, the personalization agent uses the digital assets entitlement data in step 840 to install the digital assets and personalization options on the target system. Digital assets activation and entitlement operations are then ended in step 842.

The present invention is well adapted to attain the advantages mentioned as well as others inherent therein. While the present invention has been depicted, described, and is defined by reference to particular embodiments of the invention, such references do not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts. The depicted and described embodiments are examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention.

For example, the above-discussed embodiments include software modules that perform certain tasks. The software modules discussed herein may include script, batch, or other executable files. The software modules may be stored on a machine-readable or computer-readable storage medium such as a disk drive. Storage devices used for storing software modules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be magnetic floppy disks, hard disks, or optical discs such as CD-ROMs or CD-Rs, for example. A storage device used for storing firmware or hardware modules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may also include a semiconductor-based memory, which may be permanently, removably or remotely coupled to a microprocessor/memory system. Thus, the modules may be stored within a computer system memory to configure the computer system to perform the functions of the module. Other new and various types of computer-readable storage media may be used to store the modules discussed herein. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the separation of functionality into modules is for illustrative purposes. Alternative embodiments may merge the functionality of multiple modules into a single module or may impose an alternate decomposition of functionality of modules. For example, a software module for calling sub-modules may be decomposed so that each sub-module performs its function and passes control directly to another sub-module.

Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for managing the entitlement of digital assets, comprising: a storage medium comprising a repository of system identifier data, digital assets data, and digital assets entitlement data; and a processor, the processor being operable to: receive purchase transaction data comprising digital assets identifier data and digital assets activation key data associated with a purchase of digital assets; receive system identifier data associated with a target system; process the purchase transaction data and the system identifier data to generate digital assets activation request data, wherein the digital assets activation request data is provided to the provider of the digital assets; receive digital assets data and digital assets activation data from the provider of the digital assets; and process the purchase transaction data and the digital assets activation data to generate digital assets entitlement data; and wherein the digital assets activation data is received via a personalization agent.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital assets entitlement data is associated with the target system identified by the system identifier data and with digital assets identified by the digital assets identifier data.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the purchase transaction data comprises a plurality of digital assets identifier data and a plurality of digital assets activation key data associated with a corresponding plurality of digital assets providers; the purchase transaction data and the system identifier data are processed to generate individual sets of digital assets activation request data corresponding to individual digital assets identifier data; the individual sets of digital assets activation request data are provided to corresponding individual digital assets providers of the plurality of digital assets providers; and the digital assets data and digital assets activation data corresponding to individual digital assets identifier data is received from the corresponding individual digital assets providers of the corresponding plurality of digital assets providers.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the process of the purchase transaction data further comprises changing an indication of the digital assets entitlement data from inactive to active.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein: the digital assets activation data is provided to a purchaser of the digital assets; a digital assets entitlement request message is received from the personalization agent, wherein the digital assets entitlement request message comprises the digital assets activation data; and the digital assets entitlement request message is processed to provide the digital assets data and the digital assets entitlement data associated with the digital assets activation data to the personalization agent.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein: a digital assets entitlement request message is received from a personalization agent associated with the target system, wherein the digital assets entitlement request message comprises the system identifier data; and the digital assets entitlement request message is processed to provide the digital assets entitlement data and the digital assets data associated with the system identifier data to the personalization agent.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the process of the purchase transaction data further comprises disabling access to the digital assets data.
 8. The system of claim 1, the processor is further operable to: present an option of upgrading access to enhanced digital assets data.
 9. A computer-implemented method for managing the entitlement of digital assets, comprising: receiving purchase transaction data comprising digital assets identifier data and digital assets activation key data associated with the purchase of digital assets; receiving system identifier data associated with a target system; processing the purchase transaction data and the system identifier data to generate digital assets activation request data, wherein the digital assets activation request data is provided to the provider of the digital assets; receiving digital assets data and digital assets activation data from the provider of the digital assets; and processing the purchase transaction data and the digital assets activation data to generate digital assets entitlement data; and wherein the digital assets activation data is received via a personalization agent.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the digital assets entitlement data is associated with the target system identified by the system identifier data and with digital assets identified by the digital assets identifier data.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein: the purchase transaction data comprises a plurality of digital assets identifier data and a plurality of digital assets activation key data associated with a corresponding plurality of digital assets providers; the purchase transaction data and the system identifier data are processed to generate individual sets of digital assets activation request data corresponding to individual digital assets identifier data; the individual sets of digital assets activation request data are provided to corresponding individual digital assets providers of the plurality of digital assets providers; and the digital assets data and digital assets activation data corresponding to individual digital assets identifier data is received from the corresponding individual digital assets providers of the corresponding plurality of digital assets providers.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein: the processing the purchase transaction data further comprises changing an indication of the digital assets entitlement data from inactive to active.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein: the digital assets activation data is provided to a purchaser of the digital assets; a digital assets entitlement request message is received from the personalization agent, wherein the digital assets entitlement request message comprises the digital assets activation data; and the digital assets entitlement request message is processed to provide the digital assets data and the digital assets entitlement data associated with the digital assets activation data to the personalization agent.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein: a digital assets entitlement request message is received from a personalization agent associated with the target system, wherein the digital assets entitlement request message comprises the system identifier data; and the digital assets entitlement request message is processed to provide the digital assets entitlement data and the digital assets data associated with the system identifier data to the personalization agent.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein: the processing the purchase transaction data further comprises disabling access to the digital assets data.
 16. The system of claim 9, further comprising: presenting an option of upgrading access to enhanced digital assets data.
 17. A computer-usable medium embodying computer program code, the computer program code comprising computer executable instructions configured for: using a storage medium comprising a repository of system identifier data, digital assets data, and digital assets entitlement data; and using processing logic to: receive purchase transaction data comprising digital assets identifier data and digital assets activation key data associated with the purchase of digital assets; receive system identifier data associated with a target system; process the purchase transaction data and the system identifier data to generate digital assets activation request data, wherein the digital assets activation request data is provided to the provider of the digital assets; receive digital assets data and digital assets activation data from the provider of the digital assets; and process the purchase transaction data and the digital assets activation data to generate digital assets entitlement data; and wherein the digital assets activation data is received via a personalization agent.
 18. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein the digital assets entitlement data is associated with the target system identified by the system identifier data and with digital assets identified by the digital assets identifier data.
 19. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein: the purchase transaction data comprises a plurality of digital assets identifier data and a plurality of digital assets activation key data associated with a corresponding plurality of digital assets providers; the purchase transaction data and the system identifier data are processed to generate individual sets of digital assets activation request data corresponding to individual digital assets identifier data; the individual sets of digital assets activation request data are provided to corresponding individual digital assets providers of the plurality of digital assets providers; and the digital assets data and digital assets activation data corresponding to individual digital assets identifier data is received from the corresponding individual digital assets providers of the corresponding plurality of digital assets providers.
 20. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein the process of the purchase transaction data further comprises changing an indication of the digital assets entitlement data from inactive to active.
 21. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein: the digital assets activation data is provided to a purchaser of the digital assets; a digital assets entitlement request message is received from the personalization agent, wherein the digital assets entitlement request message comprises the digital assets activation data; and the digital assets entitlement request message is processed to provide the digital assets data and the digital assets entitlement data associated with the digital assets activation data to the personalization agent.
 22. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein: a digital assets entitlement request message is received from a personalization agent associated with the target system, wherein the digital assets entitlement request message comprises the system identifier data; and the digital assets entitlement request message is processed to provide the digital assets entitlement data and the digital assets data associated with the system identifier data to the personalization agent.
 23. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein the computer executable instructions are deployable to a client computer from a server at a remote location.
 24. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein the computer executable instructions are provided by a service provider to a customer on an on-demand basis.
 25. The computer usable medium of claim 17, wherein: the process of the purchase transaction data further comprises disabling access to the digital assets data.
 26. The computer usable medium of claim 17, the processing logic is further operable to: present an option of upgrading access to enhanced digital assets data. 